"To practice a healing profession in a holistic way is ultimately a spiritual practice."
—Tina Schermer-Sellers, M.S., Director

There is increasing recognition in the field of medicine of the recursive affects of health habits, stress, relational health, spiritual peace and practice, and the balance of life demands on the health and ill-health of the body. SPU was the first MDFT training program in the United States to focus on the interplay of all components of a person's life and health ~ the biomedical, psychological, relational, and spiritual. We believe that when a healthcare team actively engages all resources of a patient's life, with the available resources of an integrated medical team, the opportunity for optimal health and quality of life is made manifest. This serves patients, families, and healthcare, and ultimately builds healthier communities and a stronger culture. SPU's certificate in Medical Family Therapy will prepare health and mental health providers to be leaders in the development of this field.